Longitudinal MRI in comparison to low-dose CT for follow-up of incidental pulmonary nodules in patients with COPD-a nationwide multicenter trial

PURPOSE: This multicenter trial was conducted to evaluate MRI for the longitudinal management of incidental pulmonary nodules in heavy smokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 239 participants (63.9 ± 8.4 years, 43-82 years) at risk of or with COPD GOLDI-IV from 16 centers prospectively underwent two rounds of same-day low-dose computed tomography (LDCT1&2) and MRI1&2 at an interval of three years in the nationwide COSYCONET trial. All exams were independently assessed for incidental pulmonary nodules in a standardized fashion by two blinded readers, incl. axis measurements and Lung-RADS categorization, with consensual LDCT results serving as the standard of reference. A change in diameter 

• Zhu, L.
• Li, Q.
• von Stackelberg, O.
• Triphan, S. M. F.
• Biederer, J.
• Weinheimer, O.
• Eichinger, M.
• Vogelmeier, C. F.
• Jörres, R. A.
• Kauczor, H. U.
• Heußel, C. P.
• Jobst, B. J.
• Yu, H.
• Wielpütz, M. O.